MOTO2006

Both models don't just share software, but many hardware features as well. They each have a Transflash slot behind the battery door, which unlike our prototype, is capable of reading a full 2 GB card. (It is possible this has not been enabled on the American CDMA version, but we could not get official confirmation either way).

Both models have Bluetooth including the A2DP stereo profile. Motorola just released the O ROKR headset / sunglasses for sale during the Cape Town event and additional models that have been announced like the HS805 DJ-style headset are due out soon.

The two models are not just similar in function, but also in form. Although the KRZR is slightly narrower, the two are the same height and the same thickness.

Motorola announced two traditional Bluetooth headsets to match the new phones. The H601 matches the KRZR with shiny colors and a small profile. The H800 is larger and matches the RIZR's colors as well as offers similar "tattoo" patterns. Both headsets and new phones feature new easy pair software that will reduce the number of steps required to get them working together.

More to come

South Africa was an interesting choice for the launch of high-end phones and Bluetooth headsets. There is a growing design-conscious community there, but it is vastly outnumbered by people who literally forgo buying new clothing or other comforts in order to buy a phone. Journalists from around the world - with a strong emphasis on emerging markets - were on hand as were we supposed to be shown the next big thing for the "next billion" phone users - a term mentioned quite often in Motorola's presentation. This would have been a good fit for such a venue, although it's not clear how these high-end phones fit with that theme.